Amber Kalirai
Encyclopedia
Amber Kalirai is a fictional character
from the ITV
soap opera
Coronation Street
, played by Nikki Patel
, the character first appeared on-screen during the episode airing on 9 November 2005. In May 2011 it was announced that Patel had returned to filming and Amber appeared again from 11 July 2011.
Amber is a street wise and sassy character who isn't afraid to speak her mind. ITV Publicity goes onto confirm this by describing the character of Amber as: "She is an intelligent, friendly, outgoing, chatterbox who loves sharing gossip with Norris Cole. She’s sassy and streetwise too. What's On TV magazine describe Amber as: "Open and honest and always speaks her mind - even if it's uncomfortable hearing! She loves to gossip and is able to indulge her passion with equally nosy shopkeeper Norris"
The character of Amber became centre to storylines during 2008 and Patel impressed bosses with her performance and awarded her with an onscreen relationship and friends the first being Minnie Chandra who is portrayed by Poppy Jhakra
. A spokesperson from the soap opera said: We've been extremely pleased with Nikki Patel's performance as Amber, so we thought it was about time to explore her friends on the Street. Minnie will play a part in the development of Amber's relationship with Daryl Morton and Dev's relationship with Tara."
Amber will become the Street's second bisexual female character and become romantically involved with Sophie, which will tie in with the departure of Sophie's girlfirend Sian Powers
early next year.
(Jimmi Harkishin
). She first arrived on in November 2005, when her mum Ravinder was taken into hospital and she was looked after by Sunita and her dad on the Street. Amber started helping out in the Corner Shop but her incessant chat wound up Dev. Initially Dev did not want Amber in his life as he was married to Sunita Parekh at the time and she served as a reminder of his philandering ways. However, he warmed to her and she came to live with him after her mother Ravinder moved to Finland with her partner. She had a crush on fellow neighbour David Platt
(Jack P. Shepherd
) but he was initially unaware of her feelings. When he did confront her, she denied it.
In early 2008, Amber began working at Valandros restaurant with Leanne
(Jane Danson
), Paul Clayton
(Tom Hudson
) and Luigi until it was set alight by Paul. Dev then claimed that he did not want her any where near Paul. Amber has had an infatuation from David after he has been trying to make his ex girlfriend Tina
(Michelle Keegan
) jealous, first by letting Amber use one of his gig ticket which Tina had refused. In August 2008, David invited Amber around to his house for lunch in a deliberate attempt to annoy Tina. Amber, unaware that she was being used, kissed a less than enthusiastic David. Unable to contain her anger any longer, Tina stormed around to the house demanding to know why David was playing these games, this interruption left Amber humiliated. She breaks up with her boyfriend Daryl (Jonathan Dixon
) when she finds out he was going to leave her after her Dev paid him, although he changed his mind. She left Weatherfield for University in London.
She returns nearly two years later to stay with Dev, much to Sunita's reluctance. She soon starts catching up with old acquaintances such as Sean
(Anthony Cotton) and David, and helps Sophie Webster
(Brooke Vincent
) get her job back at her dad's shop. She also reveals to Sophie she was kicked out of university and gives Sophie tips on how to get back on Kevin
(Michael Le Vell
)'s good side. She then goes for a night out with Tommy Duckworth
(Chris Fountain
) and arrives home early next morning, Sunita agrees not to tell Dev about her staying out all night, but Sunita does tell Dev, and Amber reveals she has been kicked out of university. Tommy and Amber go on a date, but Tommy tells her he has to leave as Tyrone is in hospital but he goes on a date with Tina, Amber walks in on them on a date and is furious. In October 2011, Amber takes Sophie to a lesbian bar, where Amber gets a girl's phone number but tells Sophie so won't be calling back as she is not a lesbian.
Then while Sophie's girlfriend Sian is in France with her mother Amber takes this as an opportunity to take Sophie out. She takes her to a bar where a boy chats up Sophie and as an act to "get the guy to leave her alone" Amber kisses Sophie and claims to be Sophie's girlfriend, Sophie, shocked asked Amber what she was playing at but wasn't too bothered as Amber had earlier spiked her drink. The next day Sophie calls in sick at Dev's corner shop feeling terrible after Amber spiking her drink and partly trying to avoid Amber. Sophie then consoles in Amber's step-mother Sunita of what to do and of guilt of developing feelings for Amber, Sophie then proposes to Sian and Sian accepts.
. Ian Wylie on Manchester Evening News stated that Nikki Patel has shone in the portrayal of the determined school girl Amber and also went on to say that he thought she should have won an NTA for her portrayal of the character.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the ITV
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
, played by Nikki Patel
Nikki Patel
Nikki Patel is a British actress. She is best known as the character Amber Kalirai in Coronation Street. Some may also recognise her from the BBC hit drama Waterloo Road, where she played Shazia...
, the character first appeared on-screen during the episode airing on 9 November 2005. In May 2011 it was announced that Patel had returned to filming and Amber appeared again from 11 July 2011.
Casting
Nikki Patel was cast in the role. In May 2011 it was announced that Patel had returned to filming with the serial.Amber is a street wise and sassy character who isn't afraid to speak her mind. ITV Publicity goes onto confirm this by describing the character of Amber as: "She is an intelligent, friendly, outgoing, chatterbox who loves sharing gossip with Norris Cole. She’s sassy and streetwise too. What's On TV magazine describe Amber as: "Open and honest and always speaks her mind - even if it's uncomfortable hearing! She loves to gossip and is able to indulge her passion with equally nosy shopkeeper Norris"
Storyline development
Amber later began dating Darryl Morton, which is her first real relationship, and has continued to see him up to this date, although the pair have faced many obstacles within their first few weeks of dating. Darryl later moved in with Amber and her father after becoming homeless when Jerry Morton rented his house to the Windass clan. Due to the onscreen romance with Amber, his character was given a reprieve so they could carry their onscreen romance after originally being axed with the rest of the Morton family.The character of Amber became centre to storylines during 2008 and Patel impressed bosses with her performance and awarded her with an onscreen relationship and friends the first being Minnie Chandra who is portrayed by Poppy Jhakra
Poppy Jhakra
Poppy Jhakra is an actress from West Yorkshire in England. She is currently in the cast of Waterloo Road as English Teacher, Eleanor Chaudry....
. A spokesperson from the soap opera said: We've been extremely pleased with Nikki Patel's performance as Amber, so we thought it was about time to explore her friends on the Street. Minnie will play a part in the development of Amber's relationship with Daryl Morton and Dev's relationship with Tara."
Amber will become the Street's second bisexual female character and become romantically involved with Sophie, which will tie in with the departure of Sophie's girlfirend Sian Powers
Sian Powers
Sian Powers is a fictional character on the UK soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by actress Sacha Parkinson. Sian was introduced as a love interest for Sophie Webster . Sian joined the cast of Coronation Street alongside Ben Richardson in early 2009 as Sophie's schoolmates...
early next year.
Storylines
The character is the daughter of Dev AlahanDev Alahan
Devendra 'Dev' Alahan is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actor Jimmi Harkishin, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 10 November 1999.-Character development:...
(Jimmi Harkishin
Jimmi Harkishin
James "Jimmi" Harkishin is an actor best known for his role as shop owner Dev Alahan in Coronation Street. He also featured in the film East is East and also Bhaji on the Beach....
). She first arrived on in November 2005, when her mum Ravinder was taken into hospital and she was looked after by Sunita and her dad on the Street. Amber started helping out in the Corner Shop but her incessant chat wound up Dev. Initially Dev did not want Amber in his life as he was married to Sunita Parekh at the time and she served as a reminder of his philandering ways. However, he warmed to her and she came to live with him after her mother Ravinder moved to Finland with her partner. She had a crush on fellow neighbour David Platt
David Platt (Coronation Street)
David Daniel Platt is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 26 December 1990 and is portrayed by actor Jack P...
(Jack P. Shepherd
Jack P. Shepherd
Jack Peter Shepherd is an English actor. He plays David Platt in the ITV1 soap opera Coronation Street. He joined the show in April 2000, taking over the role from Thomas Ormson.Shepherd was born in Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire....
) but he was initially unaware of her feelings. When he did confront her, she denied it.
In early 2008, Amber began working at Valandros restaurant with Leanne
Leanne Battersby
Leanne Anika Barlow is a fictional character on the soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Jane Danson, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 4 July 1997....
(Jane Danson
Jane Danson
Jane Danson is an English actress, most famous for playing the role of Leanne Battersby in Coronation Street.-Acting:...
), Paul Clayton
Paul Clayton (Coronation Street)
Paul Clayton is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by Lee Booth, the character first appeared on-screen during an episode that aired on 29 November 2000...
(Tom Hudson
Tom Hudson
Tom Hudson is an English Actor who can also be credited as Thomas Hudson.Hudson is best known for his roles as Baz Wainwright in Grange Hill between 2003 and 2007 and as Paul Clayton in Coronation Street between 2007 and 2008.In February 2008, ten months after landing the role of Terry Duckworth's...
) and Luigi until it was set alight by Paul. Dev then claimed that he did not want her any where near Paul. Amber has had an infatuation from David after he has been trying to make his ex girlfriend Tina
Tina McIntyre
Tina McIntyre is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Michelle Keegan, the character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on 7 January 2008...
(Michelle Keegan
Michelle Keegan
Michelle Elizabeth Keegan is an English actress who currently plays Tina McIntyre in the soap opera Coronation Street.-Biography:...
) jealous, first by letting Amber use one of his gig ticket which Tina had refused. In August 2008, David invited Amber around to his house for lunch in a deliberate attempt to annoy Tina. Amber, unaware that she was being used, kissed a less than enthusiastic David. Unable to contain her anger any longer, Tina stormed around to the house demanding to know why David was playing these games, this interruption left Amber humiliated. She breaks up with her boyfriend Daryl (Jonathan Dixon
Jonathan Dixon (actor)
Jonathan Dixon is a British television actor, best known for playing playground bully Matthew "Mooey" Humphries in long-running CBBC show Grange Hill....
) when she finds out he was going to leave her after her Dev paid him, although he changed his mind. She left Weatherfield for University in London.
She returns nearly two years later to stay with Dev, much to Sunita's reluctance. She soon starts catching up with old acquaintances such as Sean
Sean Tully
Sean Tully, is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actor Antony Cotton, the character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on 13 July 2003. Sean works as a factory machinist, and as a part-time barman in the Rovers Return...
(Anthony Cotton) and David, and helps Sophie Webster
Sophie Webster
Sophie Lauren Webster is a fictional character in the British television ITV soap opera Coronation Street. She is currently portrayed by actress Brooke Vincent, after previously being portrayed by both Ashleigh Middleton and Emma Woodward. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode...
(Brooke Vincent
Brooke Vincent
Brooke Levi Vincent is an actress in the British soap opera Coronation Street. She joined the soap in 2004, taking over from Emma Woodward in the role of Sophie Webster.- Career :...
) get her job back at her dad's shop. She also reveals to Sophie she was kicked out of university and gives Sophie tips on how to get back on Kevin
Kevin Webster
Kevin John Webster is a long-standing fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actor Michael Le Vell, the character first appeared onscreen on 19 October 1983...
(Michael Le Vell
Michael Le Vell
Michael Le Vell is an English character actor, who since 1983 has played the role of garage mechanic, Kevin Webster, in the soap opera Coronation Street....
)'s good side. She then goes for a night out with Tommy Duckworth
Tommy Duckworth
Thomas "Tommy" Duckworth is a fictional character in the British television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Currently portrayed by actor Chris Fountain. The character was born on-screen during the episode airing on 9 September 1992 and departed in December 1993, before returning for four short...
(Chris Fountain
Chris Fountain
Christopher Ryan Fountain is an English actor best known for his role as Justin Burton on the Channel 4 teen soap Hollyoaks, a role he played from 2003 until his departure in June 2009. He is also now known for playing Tommy Duckworth in Coronation Street. He played the role of PC Paul Tait in...
) and arrives home early next morning, Sunita agrees not to tell Dev about her staying out all night, but Sunita does tell Dev, and Amber reveals she has been kicked out of university. Tommy and Amber go on a date, but Tommy tells her he has to leave as Tyrone is in hospital but he goes on a date with Tina, Amber walks in on them on a date and is furious. In October 2011, Amber takes Sophie to a lesbian bar, where Amber gets a girl's phone number but tells Sophie so won't be calling back as she is not a lesbian.
Then while Sophie's girlfriend Sian is in France with her mother Amber takes this as an opportunity to take Sophie out. She takes her to a bar where a boy chats up Sophie and as an act to "get the guy to leave her alone" Amber kisses Sophie and claims to be Sophie's girlfriend, Sophie, shocked asked Amber what she was playing at but wasn't too bothered as Amber had earlier spiked her drink. The next day Sophie calls in sick at Dev's corner shop feeling terrible after Amber spiking her drink and partly trying to avoid Amber. Sophie then consoles in Amber's step-mother Sunita of what to do and of guilt of developing feelings for Amber, Sophie then proposes to Sian and Sian accepts.
Reception
In 2006 actress Nikki Patel was nominated as Best Newcomer at the National Television AwardsNational Television Awards
The National Television Awards is a British television awards ceremony, broadcast by the ITV network and initiated in 1995. The National Television Awards are the most prominent ceremony for which the results are voted on by the general public. Because of the way the awards are decided, winners are...
. Ian Wylie on Manchester Evening News stated that Nikki Patel has shone in the portrayal of the determined school girl Amber and also went on to say that he thought she should have won an NTA for her portrayal of the character.
External links
- Character profile at What's on TVWhat's On TVWhat's on TV is a weekly television listings magazine published by IPC Media, a Time Warner subsidiary.-Overview:What's on TV is a weekly UK television magazine. It publishes features, TV listings, news and gossip from soap operas, as well as puzzles and competitions...